Isophosphamide
Isophosphamide is in a class of drugs known as alkylating agents; it slows or stops the
growth of cancer cells in your body. The length of treatment depends on the types of drugs
you are taking, how well your body responds to them, and the type of cancer you have.
Isophosphamide is used to treat
- germ cell testicular cancer
- bone and soft tissue sarcomas
- lung cancer
- cervical cancer
- ovarian cancer
Side effects of Isophosphamide
Temporary reduction in the production of blood cells by the bone marrow.
This can result in anaemia, risk of bruising or bleeding and infection. The number of
blood cells in your blood may begin to reduce from about seven days after the treatment
has been given and usually reaches its lowest point at 10-14 days after the chemotherapy.
The number of blood cells will then increase steadily and will usually return to normal
within 21-28 days.
The extent to which the number of your blood cells is reduced depends on the dose of
Isophosphamide you receive and which other chemotherapy drugs, if any, are given in
combination. Your doctor can advise you how likely it is that your blood cells will be
lowered by the chemotherapy. Your blood will be checked regularly to see how well your
bone marrow is working.
If your temperature goes above 38°C (100.5°F), or you develop any unexplained
bruising or bleeding, or you suddenly feel unwell, even with a normal temperature, contact
your doctor or the hospital straight away.
Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting. There are now very effective
anti-sickness drugs to prevent or greatly reduce this. If you do feel sick it may begin a
couple of hours after the treatment is given and last for up to a couple of weeks. If the
sickness is not controlled, or continues, tell your doctor. They can prescribe other drugs
which may be more effective.
Hair loss. This usually starts 3-4 weeks after the first dose of
Isophosphamide, although it may happen earlier. Hair may be lost completely or may just
thin. You may also have thinning and loss of eyelashes, eyebrows and other body hair. This
is temporary and the hair will regrow once the treatment is finished.
Tiredness and a general feeling of weakness. It is important to allow
yourself plenty of time to rest.
Irritation of the bladder. It is important to try and drink plenty of
fluids to prevent any irritation. You will usually be given fluids into your vein before
and after the chemotherapy is given. You may also be given a drug called mesna which
protects the bladder and kidneys.
While you are having the chemotherapy you will be encouraged to pass urine every 3-4
hours during the day, and last thing at night. Your urine will often be measured and
tested for the presence of blood. If blood is present in the urine further doses of mesna
will be given.
Changes to nails. Your nails may become ridged, but this change grows
out over a few months once the treatment has finished.
Less common side effects of Isophosphamide
Your liver may be temporarily affected. Isophosphamide may cause
changes in the way that your liver works, which will return to normal when the treatment
is finished. This is very unlikely to cause you any harm, but your doctor will monitor
this carefully. Samples of your blood will be taken from time to time to check your liver
function.
Skin changes. Isophosphamide can cause a rash, which may be itchy.
Your doctor can prescribe medicine to help with this. Your skin may darken, due to excess
production of pigment. This usually returns to normal a few months after the treatment has
finished.
Confusion, lethargy, sleepiness and loss of balance. These are very
rare and only occur with high dose treatment. If you notice any of these effects it is
important to tell your doctor. |